Windshield Survery

As nurses, we are accustomed to assessing patients, clients, and families, In this course, you will learn how to assess communities. Please follow all guidelines and the rubric for the assignment in order to achieve the best outcome.Note that you will have to select a community and physically go there, walk or drive around, and engage with the community.

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2. Community assessment are somewhat similar to patient assessments.  As a nurse in a hospital or clinic, you would want to first assess the patient before coming up with a list of problems and corresponding plans. We call that a general survey of the patient.
3. For a patient who presents with shortness of breath, your problem would be SOB.  The nursing plan would involve interventions to help the patient breathe easier, understand behaviors that will lead to better outcomes, and prevent future exacerbations.
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5. A community assessment might demonstrate there are many homeless people in the community. Nursing plans will include examining reasons for the homelessness, and planning interventions to keep people safe and and work toward finding safe and affordable housing

Population Demographics

A general description of the people inhabiting an area is provided.

 

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePhysical Environment

A general description of the general appearance and climate (atmosphere) of the community is provided.

 

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeResources

What services are visible for this community? Give a general description of these services. Are these services easily accessible to the community?

 

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBoundaries

A description of the community’s natural and conceptual boundaries is provided.

 

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGeneral Impressions of the Observer

Overall what is your impression of this community? Is this a place where you could live and work? Are you able to observe members of this community interacting with one another? Are they socializing? Describe.

 

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeImplications for the Community Health Nurse

A general description of the obvious and potential health risks is provided.

 

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUsing your sight, describe what you see in this community.

What did you see on the way to this community?Who was traveling in the same direction? The opposite direction?Describe the streets and sidewalks. Consider lighting, presence of traffic lights or signs, general conditions of pavements, etc.What forms of transportation are the members of the community using? Walking, driving, buses, taxis, trains etc.What type of housing is present? Describe.What type of businesses are in this community? DescribeDescribe schools and places of worship that are visible. How many and what type?What recreational facilities are there? Describe.What health services do you see? Describe.What welfare or social services are present? Describe.Describe the members of the population that you see?Diversity? What are the cultural groups that you see? Describe.How are the people dressed? Is the style of dress appropriate for the season or current weather of the day?How do members of this community greet each other? Do they shake hands? Give hugs? Describe.What types of animals do you see? Wild? Domesticated or pets? Describe.What are the natural boundaries of this neighborhood? Describe.What surrounds the neighborhood? DescribeIs there evidence of governmental or political activity in the area? Describe.What other observations do you see?

 

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWhat do you hear?

In general is the community quiet? Noisy? Describe the sounds that you hear.Can you hear children?Animals?Adults?Traffic?Airplanes?Factory sounds?Machinery?Music?Sirens?Other sounds?Are the sounds loud or painful to your ears?What can you hear from the outside when you are inside a building?Can you hear varying languages being spoken? Can you name the languages that you hear? Are there languages that you can not identify?

 

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSenses of Taste and Smell

Are there places to eat nearby? How would you describe them? What kind of foods are being served or purchased? What kind of stores are available to buy food? What kind of food can be purchased? Are fresh fruits and vegetables readily available? Are there foods for different cultures that can be found? Did you purchase food to eat from that community? How did it smell? How did it taste? Are there other odors that you smell in the atmosphere? Can you describe and or identify them? Are the smells pleasant? Do you smell any noxious odors? Can you describe or identify them?Where do the odors that you smell seem to come from?

 

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCommunity Responses to You

Do people on the street look at you? Do the residents seem friendly? Do people say hello to you? Do the people ignore you? Avoid eye contact? Do you feel comfortable in this neighborhood? Safe? In what ways do the merchants interact with you? Describe.Describe how you felt overall while visiting this community.